Games review: Red Dead Redemption – it’s Grand Theft Auto on a horse

After several years in development, open-world Western romp Red Dead Redemption moseys into town.

Red Dead Redemption: a tour de force of prairie exploration, gunfights and rustling

Set at the turn of the 20th century as law and order attempts to assert itself on the chaotic badlands of the American frontier, the follow-up to 2004âs largely forgettable Red Dead Revolver is a tour de force of prairie exploration, gunfights and rustling.

The game world is vast and surprisingly varied â a fine setting for adventures that will see you play as likeable former outlaw John Marston.

As you set out to bring in your former gang boss, youâll indulge in all the usual cowboy activities â horse-riding, roping, shooting and drinking â all of which are pretty fun.

Itâs basically Grand Theft Auto on a horse, and thatâs no bad thing, but it can be quite repetitive and controls are sometimes cumbersome.

Overall, however, the atmosphere is pitch-perfect and it really is achingly beautiful. Multiplayer is awesome, with the ability to create a persistent online character and then posse up with your friends.